tidings
Newsday reporter
In recognition and celebration of TT’s recent 60 years of Independence, corporate sponsor First Citizens, in collaboration with author, researcher, producer Nasser Khan and the Ministry of Education, launched an e-book. Hard copies of the eBook will be available in due course and can be ordered by calling or sending a WhatsApp message to 387-2731.
The book is called TT’s 400+ Heroes, Pioneers and Models.
The link to read the book can be found at https://epub.safaripublications.com/firstcitizenstt/profiles/.
In his handover speech recently at the Ministry of Education, the ministry’s director-general, Dr Peter Smith, Khan described the genesis of the e-book which is the updated edition of the original version first published in 2012, for the 50th anniversary of Independence of TT.
At that time First Citizens sponsored 5000 printed copies that were distributed to all schools and libraries and other deserving institutions and individuals in TT. Due to growing demand, First Citizens agreed to an online publication that has since garnered nearly 1.6 million hits, mostly from students doing their research for social studies and other assignments. The book has also become popular with those outside educational institutions seeking knowledge of our heroes, pioneers and role models.
Khan further emphasized that the aim of the book is to provide an online reference tool for the heroes, role models and pioneers of TT and falls under the umbrella of a youth education initiative that aims to educate, inspire and motivate its readers about our path towards Independence. in 1962, 60 years ago and those heroes, pioneers and role models who were and have been important in its achievement…those in various spheres of activity.
In alphabetical order, categories of 20 fields of human endeavor from agriculture to writing are highlighted. The 200-page book is foreworded by Education Minister Dr Nyan Gadsby Dolly, First Citizens Group CEO Karen Darbasie and renowned TT author Michael Anthony.
TT’s Heroes, Pioneers and Role Models refer to those who have made valuable contributions to the development of our country, who have paved and continue to pave the way for others. Such people include national leaders, those in public service, politics, medicine, science, law, education, business, social work, sports, labor, economics, culture, art, radio, television, literature, agriculture, religion, oil and gas , environmental, engineering, architecture, fashion and beauty competitions.
The book, Khan explained, was inspired by a chance conversation he had with calypsonian David Rudder ahead of the 50th anniversary of Independence in 2012. During that conversation they both lamented the lack of a comprehensive book available in educational institutions, especially featuring local heroes. The book was the result of that conversation.
The difference in the two editions, from 2012 and 2022, reflects the dates of death of some individuals, the addition of some that were inadvertently left out, any corrections from the first edition, and the updating of recipients of the Order of the Republic of TT since 2012.
